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Council asks city manager to study feasibility of a year‑round outdoor marketplace to boost small businesses
Summary
Councilors approved a request to investigate a year‑round outdoor marketplace to create affordable storefront/incubator space downtown and support local small businesses.
The City Council on March 18 directed the city manager to explore the feasibility of a year‑round outdoor marketplace in Lowell, including potential locations and operating models that could serve as an incubator for small businesses.
Councilor Scott, who led the motion, said visits to markets in Toronto, London and Montreal inspired the idea and could offer a low‑cost path for entrepreneurs and food vendors to test concepts before moving into permanent spaces. Several councilors suggested downtown locations including Palmer Street and the downtown core as likely candidates and asked staff to evaluate models used elsewhere (publicly run, nonprofit trusts or private operators).
City staff said the request would include consideration of weekend and month‑by‑month activations, coordination with events such as Winterfest and Folk Festival, street closings, and business‑district impacts. The motion passed without recorded opposition.
